Beltway Bandit observed that the "pool of genres might be narrower this week", and his prediction was correct. In fact, one genre stuck out above all others, but while I know what it is I'd struggle to put a name to it: classic rock? Canon rock? Men with beards from the late-60s rock? There was a lot of it and it was all good, making me wonder once again whether the 60s really was an age devoid of cynicism and full of great live shows. And sex, obviously sex. Anyway the preponderance of one genre made this week's lists a challenge, but also a pleasure, to select.

Wonderfully smart, with great key and tempo changes and the confidence to play with the entire structure. Who is the brown-skinned voyeur though?

Matthew's Southern Comfort – Woodstock

My preferred version because it does something memorable with the melody. All versions, however, shine a light on an age different from our own.

The Band – Stage Fright

Another good tune, particularly love the bass part. Confused by the tone of the thing; is the portrayal really as empathetic as it seems? Plus more about performance than a concert per se (that, along with touring, was one of the common points of cross-pollination).

The Byrds – So You Want to Be a Rock'N'Roll Star?

My favourite track of the week. Hadn't heard for a long time and – potentially erroneous technical terminology ahoy – the contrapuntal melodies work rather beautifully.

Hank Mizzell – Jungle Rock

Where else would you find an alligator and a hippo doing the bop? That said, I am unable to establish whether a jungle rock is a gig or a club.

Ben Folds – Hiroshima

Pop star falls off stage in Japan, writes song about it. Suspect few other artists could do it with as much gusto as Ben Folds though. Great incorporated crowd chant too.

Bonnie and Delaney – Superstar

Second favourite track of the week, and got a little distracted by this pair who I'd never heard of before but look super-cool man!

Tom Petty – Zombie Zoo

Wasn't that prepossessed by the tune, a bit chuggy, but the lyrics are sharp as anything else this week, revealing all those prejudices that come from observing a youth cult that is not your own.

Warren Zevon – Johnny Strikes Up the Band

Another song that's more about performance than about a concert, but also another piece of classic rock (pop?) that hooked itself into my head immediately.

Pete Atkin – Star of Tomorrow

Not a great song perhaps, but good satire, detailing the hubris and humiliation of an act that's going places (home, with his tail between his legs)

This week, it's songs with a minimal lyrical component. I don't want instrumentals – there have to be lyrics that convey meaning (ie not na na hey heying), but with 10 words or fewer.